'Help young people get the skills employers want'

The latest employment statistics from the Office for National Statistics show that employment continued to rise between October and December 2014. 73.2% of people aged 16-64 were in work during this period, up from 72% the previous year.

Responding to the announcement, Chris Jones, Chief Executive of the City & Guilds Group, said:

'It’s encouraging that more people are employed, but it seems premature to celebrate – especially when youth unemployment is still so high. Countless young people are caught in the vicious cycle of trying to find work to gain experience, but needing experience to find work.

'That’s why we need programmes that help young people get the skills employers want. A great example is apprenticeships, and it’s no wonder that politicians are promising millions more in the run-up to the election. Efforts to expand access to them is certainly welcome, but apprenticeships are only one part of the solution.

'We need to see long-term planning that links skills to economic forecasts, greater coherence between central and local government and more stability in the skills and employment system. Our young people’s futures depend on it.'

Comments
1 Comment

ian Roberts

21 February 2015

It is certainly encouraging that more people are gaining employment and i agree it is premature to celebrate. We have to remember the youth of today are our future. We have to continue building stronger relationships with employers, and programmes that are not only fit for purpose but also engages young people and help get the skills employers require. Although it may seem a long and winding road we can achieve our goal.